Pirates, Blues and Barbecue - Day 2
December 29, 2009 | Football
Dec. 29, 2009
Dec. 29, 2009 - Hudson Press Conference | Dec. 29, 2009 - Chambliss Interview | Dec. 29, 2009 - Eskridge Interview | Dec. 29, 2009 - Johnson Interview | Dec. 29, 2009 - Wilson Interview
AutoZone Liberty Bowl Photos - Day 2 | AutoZone Liberty Bowl Photos - Day 1
Pirate Nation:
We just completed day two here in Memphis. Today was much more relaxed than yesterday as there were far fewer scheduled events.
This afternoon's press conference featured East Carolina defensive coordinator Greg Hudson along with senior linebackers Jeremy Chambliss and Nick Johnson, senior defensive lineman C.J. Wilson and senior safety Van Eskridge.
The only other scheduled event for the day was practice at the University of Memphis' facility from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Hudson's Afternoon Press Conference
Hudson was the only ECU coach to address the media this afternoon. He discussed the excitement of winning another Conference USA Championship, the challenges Arkansas' offense will present to his defense and the quality of the Southeastern Conference.
In addition, Hudson also talked about his job future and said he would not address any possible changes until after the bowl game. He said, "I keep looking at that Arkansas helmet and that's the one I'm worried about right now."
After Hudson spent 15 minutes speaking to the media, Chambliss, Johnson, Eskridge and Wilson did one-on-one interviews with those in attendance. All four talked about the talented Arkansas offense and how the Razorback team will be one of the best East Carolina has faced this season.
To hear interview clips from all five Pirates at today's press conference, click on the links at the top of the page.
Arkansas media again comprised the majority of people in attendance, but Greenville's WITN and WNCT television sports personalities Brian Bailey and Billy Weaver were also present.
Afternoon Practice
By having yesterday to shake off the rust of a seven-day layoff, today's practice was more focused on bettering the Pirate offensive and defensive units instead of individual player development. Today featured less skill and drill work and more of the scout team going against ECU's offense and defense.
Today's practice was also important as it could be the last one with good weather before the game. The players got a taste of what the next two days could bring as practice started with sunny skies and the temperature around 40, comfortable enough to stand outside with a jacket on. Then the clouds rolled in, covering the sun and considerably dropping the temperature. Tomorrow's forecast is for a 70 percent chance of rain with a high temperature of only 45. Thursday's early forecast is a 20 percent chance of rain with cloudy skies and a high of 47 degrees.
The players do not have any scheduled events tonight, but have the opportunity to enjoy downtown Memphis and historic Beale Street.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl Ticket Update
East Carolina's allotment of 8,000 tickets for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl is sold out, according to an announcement from the ECU Athletics Ticket Office Tuesday afternoon.
With Arkansas' sellout already announced, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl will be at full capacity for the second time in the past three years. Two seasons ago, in the 2007 contest, an all-time attendance record was established as Mississippi State battled UCF.
